Television: Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles

Since my last two posts, as well as this one, revolve around the concept of synopsis and review, I figured I should start out this one by mentioning that I do have more planned for this blog, as it melds into what it will be. For all intensive purposes, my intent has been to post about my thoughts, the things that I have made, such as movies, music, papers that I feel relevant to share and the like, as well as any other topical going's on. However, I think that incorporating reviews and recommendations for things that I like also serves its purpose in this blog.

Because so much has been created overtime, I personally am generally selective of what I spend my time viewing or doing. In other words, I like to be efficient with the world's most precious commodity. I normally (but not always), will look into something first and come to a consensus in regards to whether I will like it or not and then proceed. I also tend to try and stay optimistic and positive about things. For these reasons, you'll more than likely often see more recommendations than me ranting about something. I say it's not worth wasting the breath to complain when you can endorse things that are actually worth one's time. With that said, lets discuss something great.

I recently watched all of the Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles tv show. Terminator is a series I hold near and dear to my heart, like many other Americans. I was a little skeptical at first when I heard of the shows concept years ago, but after hearing so many positive responses, I knew I'd want to check the show out. I didn't realize I would like it as much as I did so quickly though.

Right from the first episode, the feeling Terminator 2 captured returns. The suspenseful and overwhelming feeling that the savior of the future, John Connor, is going to be caught and die, ending the worlds hope for revolution against the machines. The show takes place in between Terminator 2 and 3, creating an alternate situation where Terminator 3 is bypassed. This was a really good way to deal with this. As Terminator Salvation showed us, a lot of the charm of the original Terminator's dealt with machines coming back to fight unprepared and underwhelmingly armed Sarah and John Connor. The cat and mouse feeling is excellently recreated and it has that distinct Terminator feel. Right down to the "BWWWOOOOOOHHHHMMM" sound effect that is made when a Terminator walks by all confident and ready to kill. Several original people from the Terminator movies worked on the special effects which gives the look and behavior of the machines a certain consistent and polished shine.

The actors and actresses I thought actually did a really good job consistently throughout the show. The first season was short and sweet that told an overarching story, setting the stage, and creating a conclusion that begged for another season. The second season was much longer, and also really well done. At times, certain episodes seemed made as filler, while the core story took a back seat. There were certain characters in the second season that I felt were unnecessary, but overall the ended up tying them together with the main story well enough. That sense of danger was always present. Sarah Connor was an excellent overprotective and concerned mother, and a gloomy John Connor who can never really let his guard down and be a kid never falters in performance. There are a few gushy and corny moments in the series, but those are few and far between. All of the main characters were superb for their positions, from John, Sarah, and the defending Terminator.

I can only assume the loss of steam in the second season that made the story seem stretched out was responsible for the decision to cancel the show. From the sound of it, a season three was planned and some great ideas were being formulated for it. I would have really liked to see this show continue. They didn't do anything really to damage the Terminator story. They enhanced and fleshed out the story, making for a very complimentary alternate universe.

If you enjoy the Terminator franchise in any capacity, I highly recommend you check out this show. It is currently available on Netflix streaming over the internet. If you appreciated James Cameron's directorial approach in the originals, you may find yourself hooked from the start until the finish, leaving you wanting more of a show that was sadly cut off too early. If only the one who made the decision to end it was not a Terminator themselves, maybe things would have been different.